CONGRATULATING SYDNEY STERLACE WHO FINISHED THIRD ON "THE VOICE"

CONGRATULATING SYDNEY STERLACE WHO FINISHED THIRD ON "THE VOICE"

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 7 (Tuesday, January 14, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 7 (Tuesday, January 14, 2025)] [House] [Pages H116-H117] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CONGRATULATING SYDNEY STERLACE WHO FINISHED THIRD ON ``THE VOICE'' The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York (Mr. Kennedy) for 5 minutes. Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the incredible journey of Sydney Sterlace, who finished third on season 26 of ``The Voice.'' Sydney, a young singer from West Seneca, New York, in my district, has inspired not just our community but viewers across the country. Her extraordinary talent was undeniable from an early age. With the support of her loving family, especially her mother, she began her singing journey at the age of 7, participating in local talent shows. By the time she was 10, she won first place in the Erie County Fair talent competition. Since then, Sydney has performed the national anthem at a Buffalo Bills football game, countless times for the Buffalo Bisons baseball team, and this year at a Buffalo Sabres hockey game. She is also a regular performer at the annual Music is Art festival, organized by Robby Takac, one of the founding members of the Goo Goo Dolls, who is also from my district. At just 16 years old, Sydney accomplished what so many dream of: a four-chair turn at her blind audition for ``The Voice,'' and a run all the way to the finale of one of the biggest singing competitions in the world. Over the course of this season, Sydney showed her incredible range and artistry, and her duet with Gwen Stefani, who also served as her coach while on the show, was the perfect way to cap off a season of unforgettable moments. Throughout it all, Sydney had the endless support of her family, friends, and our entire community. From accompanying Sydney on her journey to California for the competition to welcoming her home at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport upon her return, her friends were always by her side to cheer her on, especially Kate, Lily, Izzy, Alannah, Holly, and Erin. Sydney's success extends beyond ``The Voice.'' Last year, she won a challenge promoted by Broadway Evolved, which led to a weeklong Broadway workshop with Tony-nominated actress Betsy Wolfe, but what stands out most is Sydney's humility and heart. Sydney has made our entire community so proud with her talent, her hard [[Page H117]] work, and her poise throughout the entire competition. She has carried herself with grace and determination, inspiring the next generation of talented artists. While this chapter of ``The Voice'' may have ended, I have no doubt the next chapter of a long and successful career is ahead of Sydney. Madam Speaker, on behalf of all western New York, I thank and congratulate Sydney for sharing her voice. {time} 1015 Remembering Cornelius J. Keane Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise in remembrance of Cornelius J. Keane, whose life was defined by service, family, and enduring dedication to our community. As someone who was blessed to call him a friend, I can tell you Neil's love for his family was matched only by his unwavering dedication to serving our community, a calling he fulfilled with distinction throughout his remarkable career. A Buffalo native, Neil's career with the Buffalo Fire Department spanned nearly four decades, where he rose to the position of commissioner, embodying courage and leadership every step of the way. As commissioner, he led with compassion and integrity, always putting the needs of others first, and setting a standard of excellence for those who followed in his footsteps. Throughout his decades of service to the Buffalo Fire Department, Neil dedicated himself to protecting the safety and well-being of the community he loved, the City of Good Neighbors. Neil's work extended far beyond the firehouse. His commitment to Buffalo was evident in his efforts to make the city a safer, stronger, and better place for all its residents. He was a proud member of the Buffalo Professional Firefighters Association Local 282, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the East Coast Retired Firefighters Association. He was a devoted fan of the Buffalo Bills, the Buffalo Sabres, and the New York Yankees. Neil's life was an inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing him, and his legacy will live on through the many lives that he touched. Neil was a loving husband to his wife of 54 years, Ellen; a devoted father to Sheila, Bob, and Terry; and a cherished papa to his beloved grandchildren. He was one of 16 children and had a deep commitment to the values instilled in him as a member of the Keane family. That sense of duty guided his extraordinary legacy of work and public service. May we all take inspiration from Neil's devotion to his family, his steadfast service to our community, and his unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. May he rest in peace. ____________________